Topic Contents

Toxic Shock Syndrome Bacteria

Topic Overview

The two most common bacteria found in the diagnosis of
toxic shock syndrome (TSS) are Streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep) or Staphylococcus aureus (staph). In
some cases of TSS, the strep or staph bacteria may cause a serious infection in
the body, such as
pneumonia,
osteomyelitis, or
endocarditis.

Strep TSS is not as likely as staph TSS to come back. A person with
staph TSS has an increased chance for getting it again.

Streptococcus pyogenes (group A
strep)

Strep TSS may be related to:

Chickenpox
(varicella). Children with chickenpox have a higher chance of getting
TSS.

Advanced age. Older adults have a higher chance of getting
TSS.

Diabetes, heart or lung disease,
HIV, alcohol use, or intravenous (IV) drug use. People
with these conditions have a higher chance of getting TSS.

But strep TSS can develop in people who have no risk
factors.

Symptoms of strep TSS include:

Dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). The
first sign of this life-threatening condition can be dizziness when rising from
a sitting or lying position (orthostatic hypotension).

Pain at the site of infection, especially if
the pain is greater than you would expect for the size of the
wound.

And two or more of the following:

Kidney and liver failure or insufficiency, as
shown by blood and urine tests

Staphylococcal aureus (staph)

In adults, staph may be part of the normal body bacteria on the
skin and in the nose and vagina. More than 90% of adults have developed
antibodies to the staph bacteria toxin that causes
TSS. For those who have not developed an immunity and
contract a staph infection, toxic shock syndrome may be related to:

Prolonged use of a tampon, typically a
superabsorbent type.

The presence of a foreign body at the site of
infection.

Infection after surgery, generally from a person's own
staph bacteria.

Symptoms of staph TSS include:

Sudden fever over
39°C (102°F).

Red rash that is widespread over the
body.

Dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). The first sign
of this life-threatening condition can be dizziness when rising from a sitting
or lying position (orthostatic hypotension).

Involvement of more than one organ system. This is indicated by the presence of three or more of the following symptoms:

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.